specification overview
OCR A-Level Business (H431) is a two-year linear qualification structured around seven areas of study from business objectives through to the global environment of business. Students sit three written papers at the end of year 13, organised by business context (local, UK, global). All papers include synoptic assessment.
subject content
1. Business objectives and strategic decisions
All papers- Enterprise, business plans and stakeholders
- Corporate objectives, mission and strategy
2. External influences facing businesses
All papers- Social, legal, economic, environmental and ethical, political, technological factors
- SLEEPT analysis and business responses
3. Marketing and marketing strategies
All papers- Marketing objectives, research and segmentation
- The marketing mix and marketing strategy
4. Operational strategy
All papers- Operations planning, capacity and quality
- Lean production and technology in operations
5. Human resources
All papers- Workforce planning, recruitment and training
- Motivation, leadership and organisational structure
6. Accounting and finance
All papers- Sources of finance, budgets and cash flow
- Financial statements, ratios and investment appraisal
7. The global environment of business
All papers- Globalisation, international trade and multinationals
- Exchange rates, emerging economies and global marketing
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Operating in a local business environment) | All areas of study in a local business context, using a Resource Booklet focused on a real-life business | 2h | 80 | 33.3% | Section A: multiple-choice questions (15 marks). Section B: data-response questions on the Resource Booklet (65 marks) |
| Paper 2 (The UK business environment) | All areas of study in a UK business context, using a Resource Booklet focused on a real-life business | 2h | 80 | 33.3% | Section A: short-answer questions (20 marks). Section B: extended-response questions on the Resource Booklet (60 marks) |
| Paper 3 (The global business environment) | All areas of study in a global business context, using a Resource Booklet focused on a real-life business | 2h | 80 | 33.3% | Data-response and extended-response questions relating to the Resource Booklet |
All three papers cover all seven areas of study but frame questions in different business contexts (local, UK, global). Each paper has its own Resource Booklet focused on a real-life business, provided in the examination.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge of terms, concepts, theories, methods and models to show an understanding of how individuals and organisations are affected by, and respond to business issues. | 25% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding to various business contexts to show how individuals and organisations are affected by and respond to issues. | 25% |
| AO3 | Analyse issues within business showing an understanding of the impact on individuals and organisations of external and internal influences. | 25% |
| AO4 | Evaluate quantitative and qualitative information to make informed judgements and propose evidence-based solutions to business issues. | 25% |
key tips for success
Work through the Resource Booklet in the exam
Each paper has its own Resource Booklet focused on a real-life business, provided in the examination. Practise skimming stimulus material fast so most of your time is spent answering the data-response and extended-response questions.
Understand the local/UK/global framing
All three papers cover the same content but frame questions in different scales. Paper 1 uses a local business, Paper 2 a UK business, Paper 3 a global business. Practise applying the same theory across all three.
Build a case-study bank
Follow business news at all three scales (local independent, UK-listed, multinationals) through the year. A bank of ~10 businesses across scales is gold for exam preparation.
Master the strategic frameworks
SWOT, SLEEPT, Porter's Five Forces, Ansoff's Matrix, Porter's generic strategies. Know when each applies and how to apply them to unseen contexts.
Practise extended-response answers
AO4 is 25% and rewards judgement. Every extended answer needs a defensible conclusion backed by weighted arguments.
Manage the quantitative techniques
Ratios, break-even, cash flow, investment appraisal, price elasticity. Practise these until automatic so calculation marks come easily.
Where to next
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